Thermal tympanic thermometer

ABSTRACT

A tympanic thermometer includes a thermally conductive nozzle extending from a distal end of the thermometer. A base of a sensor can is thermally connected to the nozzle to define a path of conductive heat transfer from the nozzle to the base of the can thereby minimizing a thermal gradient between proximal and distal ends of the sensor can when temperature is measured in the ear.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/480,428 filed Dec. 10, 2003, which is a nationalstage application of PCT Application Ser. No. PCT/US03/11606 filed Apr.15, 2003, which is the nonprovisional application of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/432,904 filed Dec. 12, 2002, the disclosures of whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of biomedicalthermometers, and more particularly, to a tympanic thermometer thatincludes a sensor having a nozzle disposed therewith that improvesaccuracy of temperature measurement.

Medical thermometers are typically employed to facilitate theprevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, body ailments, etc. forhumans and other animals, as is known. Doctors, nurses, parents, careproviders, etc. utilize thermometers to measure a subject's bodytemperature for detecting a fever, monitoring the subject's bodytemperature, etc. An accurate reading of a subject's body temperature isrequired for effective use and should be taken from the internal or coretemperature of a subject's body. Several thermometer devices are knownfor measuring a subject's body temperature, such as, for example, glass,electronic, ear (tympanic).

Glass thermometers, however, are very slow in making measurements,typically requiring several minutes to determine body temperature. Thiscan result in discomfort to the subject, and may be very troublesomewhen taking the temperature of a small child or an invalid. Further,glass thermometers are susceptible to error and are typically accurateonly to within a degree.

Electronic thermometers minimize measurement time and improve accuracyover glass thermometers. Electronic thermometers, however, still requireapproximately thirty (30) seconds before an accurate reading can betaken and may cause discomfort in placement as the device must beinserted into the subject's mouth, rectum or axilla.

Tympanic thermometers are generally considered by the medical communityto be superior for taking a subject's temperature. Tympanic thermometersprovide rapid and accurate readings of core temperature, overcoming thedisadvantages associated with other types of thermometers. Tympanicthermometers measure temperature by sensing infrared emissions from thetympanic membrane (eardrum) in the external ear canal. The temperatureof the tympanic membrane accurately represents the body's coretemperature. Further, measuring temperature in this manner only requiresa few seconds.

Known tympanic thermometers typically include a probe containing a heatsensor such as a thermopile, a pyroelectric heat sensor, etc. Duringuse, the heat sensor is generally located outside the eardrum andutilizes a waveguide of radiant heat to transfer heat energy from theeardrum to the sensor. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,179,785,6,186,959, and 5,820,264. These types of heat sensors are particularlysensitive to the eardrum's radiant heat energy.

In operation, a tympanic thermometer is prepared for use and a probecover is mounted onto a sensing probe extending from a distal portion ofthe thermometer. The probe covers are hygienic to provide a sanitarybarrier and are disposable after use. A practitioner or other careprovider inserts a portion of the probe having the probe cover mountedthereon within a subject's outer ear canal to sense the infraredemissions from the tympanic membrane. The infrared light emitted fromthe tympanic membrane passes through a window of the probe cover and isdirected to the sensing probe by a waveguide. The window is typically atransparent portion of the probe cover and has a wavelength in the farinfrared range. The probe cover should provide for the easy andcomfortable insertion of the probe into the ear canal.

The practitioner presses a button or similar device to cause thethermometer to take a temperature measurement. The microelectronicsprocess electrical signals provided by the heat sensor to determineeardrum temperature and render a temperature measurement in a fewseconds or less. The probe is removed from the ear canal and the probecover is removed and discarded.

Many tympanic thermometers measure radiation being emitted from anobject, such as the tympanic membrane, by employing a thermopile sensor.A membrane inside the thermopile sensor absorbs incoming radiation,which raises the temperature of the membrane. The hot junctions ofthermocouples, which may be very small, are placed onto the membranewhile the cold junction is thermally connected to a sensor body of thethermopile sensor. The thermocouples output a voltage change that isproportional to the temperature change between the hot and coldjunctions of the thermocouple. This voltage change can be correlated tothe Stefan-Boltzmann law for emitted radiation from a black body(represented in formulaic, V_(out)=K (eT⁴ _(obj)−T⁴ _(sens))).

Errors in temperature readings taken by known tympanic thermometersoften occur because the temperature of the sensor body is changing dueto changing ambient temperature situations. These changing ambienttemperature situations include other factors that affect the temperatureof the thermopile sensor. For example, when a tympanic thermometer atroom temperature is placed in the human ear, heat transfers to thethermopile sensor and other portions of the tympanic thermometer. Thethermopile sensor includes sensor optics and a sensor can. The sensoroptics and can temperature are caused to increase very rapidly and thusemit radiation back to the membrane inside the thermopile sensor. Sincethe temperature of the sensor is measured back at the proximal end ofthe thermopile sensor, T_(sens) will not reflect the actual temperatureof the thermopile sensor and therefore an error will be introduced tothe temperature measurement.

Transferring some known tympanic thermometers from a room temperaturesetting to a different temperature setting in the human ear is achanging ambient environment. In these types of changing ambientenvironments, data from thermal analysis and lab testing has showntemperature changes across the thermopile sensor can range as high as1.5-2.5 degrees Celsius using known nozzle configurations that aredisposed with the sensors of these tympanic thermometers. Devices ofthis kind may disadvantageously take inaccurate temperature readingsresulting in drawbacks for treating and diagnosing patients.

Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art with a tympanic thermometer that includes asensor having a nozzle disposed therewith that improves accuracy oftemperature measurement. It is contemplated that the tympanicthermometer and its constituent parts are easily and efficientlymanufactured and assembled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a tympanic thermometer having a proximal end and a distalend generally comprises a thermally conductive nozzle extending from thedistal end of the thermometer. A sensor can housing temperature sensingelectronics for sensing temperature includes a base thermally connectedto the nozzle to define a path of conductive heat transfer from thenozzle to the base of the can. The sensor can is otherwise free ofthermal connection with a thermally conductive structure of greater massthan the sensor can.

In another aspect, a tympanic thermometer having a proximal end and adistal end comprises a thermally conductive nozzle extending from thedistal end of the thermometer. A sensor can housing temperature sensingelectronics for sensing temperature includes a base thermally connectedto the nozzle to define a path of conductive heat transfer from thenozzle to the base of the can. The nozzle and the sensor can areconstructed and arranged to define a heat transfer path from the nozzleto the sensor can and to inhibit heat transfer away from the sensor can,thereby minimizing a thermal gradient between proximal and distal endsof the sensor can when temperature is measured in the ear.

In yet another aspect, a tympanic thermometer having a proximal end anda distal end comprises a thermally conductive nozzle extending from thedistal end of the thermometer. The nozzle includes an internalpassageway. A sensor can located generally at a distal end margin of thenozzle has a base thermally connected to the nozzle. The base of thesensor can is free of thermal connection with any heat sink capable ofdrawing heat transferred from the nozzle away from the base of thesensor can thereby to promote heat transfer from the nozzle to thesensor can base and minimize a thermal gradient between proximal anddistal ends of the sensor can when temperature is measured in the ear.

In a further aspect of the present invention, a tympanic thermometerhaving a proximal end and a distal end generally comprises a thermallyconductive nozzle extending from the distal end of the thermometer. Asensor can housing temperature sensing electronics for sensingtemperature includes a base thermally connected to the nozzle. The baseof the sensor can is thermally connected to the nozzle to form a pathfor heat transfer from the nozzle to the base. The nozzle defines an airspace on a proximal side of the sensor can base to inhibit heat transferfrom the sensor can.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointedout hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tympanic thermometer, in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure, mounted with a holder;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tympanic thermometer shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a probe cover intended for mounting tothe tympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view, with parts separated, of a distal end of thetympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the probe cover mounted on thedistal end of the tympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective cutaway view of the distal end of thetympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a temperature gradient plot of a sensor can in one embodimentof the tympanic thermometer, in accordance with the present disclosuremeasured at 1.072 seconds after heat has been applied;

FIG. 7 is a temperature gradient plot of the sensor can shown in FIG. 6measured at 3.945 seconds after heat has been applied;

FIG. 8 is a temperature gradient plot of the sensor can shown in FIG. 6measured at 7.229 seconds after heat has been applied;

FIG. 9 is a temperature gradient plot of the sensor can shown in FIG. 6measured at 10 seconds after heat has been applied;

FIG. 10 is a time versus temp graph of locations of the sensortemperatures of the sensor can for the time periods shown in FIG. 6-9;

FIG. 11 is a temperature gradient plot for heat flux of a sensor can ofthe embodiment of the tympanic thermometer shown in FIG. 6 measured at1.072 seconds after heat has been applied;

FIG. 12 is a temperature gradient plot for heat flux of the sensor canshown in FIG. 6 measured at 10 seconds after heat has been applied;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor probe of anotherembodiment;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary section of a sensor can of a tympanicthermometer of the prior art;

FIG. 15 is a graph showing the time based temperature response of thesensor can of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary section of a sensor can of a tympanicthermometer of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a table showing temperature response of a sensor can in atympanic thermometer of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a graph of the temperature versus time data of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a graph of temperature differentials across the sensor can;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor probe of still anotherembodiment;

FIG. 21 is a perspective of a spring locator of the sensor probe of FIG.20; and

FIG. 22 is a side elevation of the spring locator.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of the tympanic thermometer and methods of usedisclosed are discussed in terms of medical thermometers for measuringbody temperature, and more particularly, in terms of a tympanicthermometer that includes a sensor having a nozzle disposed therewiththat improves accuracy of temperature measurement. It is envisioned thatthe present disclosure finds application for the prevention, diagnosisand treatment of diseases, body ailments, etc. of a subject. It isfurther envisioned that the principles relating to the tympanicthermometer disclosed include proper removal of a used probe cover viathe ejection apparatus and indication to a practitioner whether a new,unused probe is mounted to the tympanic thermometer.

In the discussion that follows, the term “proximal” will refer to theportion of a structure that is closer to a practitioner, while the term“distal” will refer to the portion that is further from thepractitioner. FIG. 2 illustrates “proximal” and “distal” for thestructure, which is the fully assembled and usable tympanic thermometer.As-used herein, the term “subject” refers to a human patient or otheranimal having its body temperature measured. According to the presentdisclosure, the term “practitioner” refers to a doctor, nurse, parent orother care provider utilizing a tympanic thermometer to measure asubject's body temperature, and may include support personnel.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying Figures.Turning now to the Figures and initially to FIGS. 1, 2 and the attacheddisclosure, plots, graphs and Figures, there is illustrated a tympanicthermometer, generally indicated at 20, in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure. It is contemplated that tympanicthermometer 20 includes the necessary electronics and/or processingcomponents to perform temperature measurement via the tympanic membrane,as is known to one skilled in the art. It is further envisioned thattympanic thermometer 20 may include a waveguide to facilitate sensing ofthe tympanic membrane heat energy. However, in the illustratedembodiments, the waveguide is beneficially omitted. Tympanic thermometer20 is releasably mounted in a holder 40 for storage in contemplation foruse. Tympanic thermometer 20 and holder 40 may be fabricated fromsemi-rigid, rigid plastic and/or metal materials suitable fortemperature measurement and related use. It is envisioned that holder 40may include the electronics necessary to facilitate powering of tympanicthermometer 20, including, for example, battery charging capability,etc.

Referring to FIG. 2, tympanic thermometer 20 includes a cylindrical heatsensing probe, generally indicated at 22. Heat sensing probe 22 extendsfrom an end 24 of tympanic thermometer 20 and defines a longitudinalaxis X. Heat sensing probe 22 may have various geometric cross-sectionalconfigurations, such as, for example, rectangular, elliptical, etc.Referring to FIGS. 4, 4A and 5, heat sensing probe 22 includes a nozzle,generally indicated at 100, mounted on a base 106. The nozzle 100includes a base 110 and an elongated nose portion 112 projectingdistally from the base. By way of non-limiting example, the nozzle 100may be fabricated from metal or other material which aides in the rapidexchange or transfer of heat. The nozzle 100 is formed of two parts (thebase 110 and the nose portion 112) in the first illustrated embodiment.It will be understood that a nozzle can be formed as one piece or morethan two pieces within the scope of the present invention. Inparticular, it is envisioned that the elongated nose section 112 can beformed of two or more pieces.

The heat sensing probe 22 also includes a sensor can, generallyindicated at 102, attached to temperature sensing electronics mounted ona distal end of a sensor housing 104 (or “retainer”) received within thenozzle 100. The can 102 includes a sensor base 126 and a generallyinverted cup-shaped tip 116 mounted on the base. An infrared sensor 122(e.g., a thermopile), an infrared filter or window 120 and thermistor124 are housed within the can 102. The sensor housing 104 is mounted onthe base 106 of the probe 22 such that it extends generally coaxiallywithin the nozzle 100. By way of non-limiting example, sensor housing104 is fabricated from materials which provide for less thermotransmission (i.e., more insulated) than nozzle 100, for example,plastic or other similar matter. Stated another way, the material of thesensor housing 104 has a low thermal conductivity as compared to thethermal conductivity of the nozzle 100 and the base 126 of the can 102.As an example and without limiting the generality of the presentdisclosure, thermal insulators may have a thermal conductivity (in unitsof ^(W)/_(mK) or watts per meter degree Kelvin) of about 0.1 ^(W)/_(mK)or less, while good thermal conductors may have a thermal conductivityof 100 ^(W)/_(mK) or more. Generally speaking, metals (e.g., aluminum,brass or copper) are superior thermal conductors. To avoid drawing heataway from the base 126 of the sensor can 102, the base is preferablyfree of thermal connection to another metallic object besides the nozzle100. As shown best in FIG. 4A, when the can 102 and the sensor housing104 are received in the nozzle 100, a peripheral edge margin 114 of thebase 126 of the can contacts an internal ridge 121 of the nozzleadjacent the nose portion 112 at the distal end. In this way, the base126 of the can 102 is in thermal contact with the nozzle 100 at the noseportion 112 thereof. As also shown best in FIG. 4A, the remainder of thecan 102 (i.e., any other portion of the can besides the base 126) doesnot contact any other structure. An air gap is formed between theproximal portion of the can 102 and the nose 112 of the nozzle 100.Thus, the base 126 of the can 102 is in thermal contact solely with thenozzle 100, as the sensor housing 104 is made of a thermally insulatingmaterial of low thermal conductivity. As shown, nozzle 100, sensorhousing 104 and can 102 are fitted in a secure relationship. Such securerelationship may be established by way of adhesive, friction, pressfitting and the like. An air gap 128 is also disposed between the nozzle100 and sensor housing 104, providing additional thermal insulationagainst heat being drawn away from the base 126.

A probe cover 32 is received on the nozzle 100 such that a distalportion of the cover is in thermal contact with the nose 112 of thenozzle. Probe cover 32 may be shaped, for example, frustoconically, orshaped in a tapered manner as to allow for easier insertion into the earof the subject and attachment and detachment from the heat sensing probe22. The probe cover 32, which is disposable, may be fabricated frommaterials suitable for measuring body temperature via the tympanicmembrane with a tympanic thermometer measuring apparatus. Thesematerials may include, for example, plastic materials, such as, forexample, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc., depending on the particulartemperature measurement application and/or preference of a practitioner.

Referring to FIG. 3, the probe cover 32 has a distal end 54 that issubstantially enclosed by a film 56. Film 56 is substantiallytransparent to infrared radiation and configured to facilitate sensingof infrared emissions by heat sensing probe 22. The film 56 isadvantageously impervious to ear wax, moisture and bacteria to preventdisease propagation. The film 56 has a thickness in the range of 0.0005to 0.001 inches, although other ranges are contemplated. The film 56 maybe semi-rigid or flexible, and can be monolithically formed with theremaining portion of the probe cover 32 or integrally connected theretovia, for example, thermal welding, etc. One skilled in the art, however,will realize that other materials and fabrication methods suitable forassembly and manufacture, in accordance with the present disclosure,also would be appropriate.

In operation, infrared energy IR (FIG. 4A) from the subject's tympanicmembrane, for example, enters the can 102 through the window 120. Thisinfrared energy may heat the can 102 and create a temperature gradientacross the tip 116 from its distal end to its proximal end contactingthe base 126. That is, the distal end can be much warmer than theproximal end. Heat from, for example, the ear of the subject istransferred from probe cover 32 to nozzle 100 to the base 126 of the can102 via a path of heat flux HF (FIG. 4A). As noted above, and as opposedto other prior art temperature sensing tips, which are designed toinsulate sensing tips, the path of heat flux HF heats the can 102 inorder to reduce the temperature gradient across tip 116, therebyenabling a faster and more accurate temperature reading. The internalridge 121 engages a distal side of the peripheral edge margin 114 of thebase 126 to provide a heat conducting path from the nozzle 100 to thebase (illustrated by arrow HF in FIG. 4A). It is contemplated hereinthat nozzle 100 may be both in physical contact with the peripheral edgemargin 114 or in a close proximate relationship with peripheral edgemargin 114 of can 102. In either case, there should be such thermalcontact as to enable heat transfer from the internal ridge 121 of thenozzle 100 to the peripheral edge margin 114 of the base 126. As shownin FIGS. 6-9 and 11-12, heat transfer to the can 102 from peripheraledge margin 114 of the base 126 can occur at any local or single pointof contact (FIGS. 6-9 and 11-12 disclose such point of contact along anupper portion of the peripheral edge margin 114) or along a plurality ofcontact points, for example, the entire portion of the peripheral edgemargin 114.

It is contemplated herein, that can 102 may have a plurality of lips,ribs or other similar structures, for example, detents, nubs, etc.,which aide in the heat transfer from nozzle 100 to can 102 andultimately to can tip 116. The peripheral edge margin 114 may also beformed in a variety of geometric configurations, e.g., helical, dashed,etc. For example, in order to reduce the temperature gradient from theperipheral edge margin 114 to tip 116, (and thus reducing thetemperature gradient from internal thermistor 124 (FIG. 4A) and top ofcan 102), can 102 may have a plurality of ridge members (not shown) madefrom a metal alloy or other material. Such ridge members may be madefrom separate materials, may be partially in contact with the body ofcan 102, or otherwise be adapted to reduce the temperature gradient fromperipheral edge margin 114 to can tip 116.

It is also contemplated herein, that can 102, by way of or in additionto the formations of the peripheral edge margin 114, can be pre-heatedelectrically or by other means to certain preset temperatures. Ridgemembers assist in heat transfer from nozzle 100, such that the heatgradient from the peripheral edge margin 114 to can tip 116 is reduced.This reduction in the gradient across the sensor tip of can 102 providesfor faster, more accurate results.

As discussed and shown in the FIGS. 4, 4A and 5 above, sensor can 102 issituated at the distal end of the sensor housing 104 and at the distalend margin of the nozzle 100. Such relationship provides for the sensorto be included within or substantially close to the ear of a subjectduring a temperature reading. The waveguide of many conventionaltympanic thermometers is not required. Moreover, a thermal mass or heatsink to draw heat away from the sensor can 102 is not required. Theprior art discloses sensor to ear relationships of this kind; however,these prior art relationships include unique differential heating issuesof the sensor. As discussed below and shown in FIGS. 6-12, thedifferential heating problems of the prior art have been overcome.

By way of a non-limiting example and referring to FIGS. 6-12, oneembodiment of tympanic thermometer 20 includes heat sensing probe 22 atan initial temperature of 20° C. when a 40° C. temperature load isapplied to the outside surface of probe cover 32. This is similar totaking heat sensing probe 22 from room temperature and disposing itwithin the ear of a human subject with a fever. As shown, radiationeffects are applied to the top face of sensor housing 104 and nozzle100. A transient analysis was run for ten (10) seconds for an aluminumnozzle design with a sensor contact.

FIGS. 6-12 show temperature plots from a simulated temperature readingof the human ear. The data of such were confirmed from actualexperimental tests performed on the ear of a subject. FIG. 6 shows atemperature plot of the temperature distribution across the sensorsection of can 102 after 1.072 seconds. Areas of focus include thesurface where the absorber chip and thermistor 124 (FIG. 4A) arelocated, the inside top of the sensor can and the inside side of thesensor can. FIG. 7 shows a temperature plot of the temperaturedistribution across the sensor-section after 3.945 seconds. FIG. 8 showsa temperature plot of the temperature distribution across the sensorsection after 7.229 seconds. FIG. 9 shows a temperature plot of thetemperature distribution across the sensor section after 10 seconds.FIG. 10 shows a plotted graph of the temperature distribution for the 10second time transient. As shown from the results of a nodal analysisperformed at the top, side internal thermistor 124 (FIG. 4A) of can 102,(ΔT) is substantially constant across the 10 second time transient (thatis, (ΔT) essentially tracks the thermistor 124 (FIG. 4A)). As such,temperature accuracy errors do not increase with time as in conventionalprior art thermometers. Temperature readings can occur at substantiallyany time along the plotted graph of FIG. 10. FIG. 11 shows a temperatureplot of the temperature gradient plot for heat flux after 1.072 seconds.FIG. 12 shows a temperature plot of the temperature gradient plot forheat flux after 10 seconds.

Referring to FIG. 13, a heat sensing probe is similar to the heatsensing probe 22 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, therefore,corresponding components will have corresponding reference numbers. Thedifference between this probe and the prior embodiment is that thisprobe does not have a sensor housing. The sensor can 102 is preferablyfree of thermal connection to a thermally conductive structure otherthan the nozzle 100 that has a mass greater than the mass of the sensorcan. Stated another way, the sensor can 102 is preferably free ofthermal connection with any metallic object other than the nozzle 100.In fact in the version illustrated in FIG. 13, there is no structuresecured to or in contact with a proximal side 126 a of the base 126. Thenozzle 100 instead defines an air space 130 on the proximal side of thebase which acts as a thermal insulator so that heat conducted form thenozzle 100 to the base 126 is not drawn away from the base, but ratheris conducted into the sensor can generally so that a thermal gradientbetween the base 126 (or proximal side of the sensor can 102) and thedistal end of the sensor can opposite the base is minimized during thecourse of measuring temperature in the ear. As used herein, “air space”means a space having no solid structure, but which may be filled with agas of any kind, or be a vacuum. Instead, the base 126 of the can 102 issecured directly to the nozzle 100 without the need to mount the can ona separate structure, such as a sensor housing. For example, the base126 may be secured to the directly to the internal ridge 121 of thenozzle 100 using thermally conductive adhesive, such as an epoxy resinsold under the name Stycast® 2850 FT-FR and cured with Catalyst 9. (Thetrademark Stycast® is owned by National Starch and Chemical Company).The can 102 remains thermally insulated within the nozzle, except forthe path of heat transfer, because air below the base 126 of the canwithin the nozzle 100 acts as an insulator.

It is understood that the base 126 of the can 102 can be secured withinthe nozzle 100 in other ways. For example, a thermally insulatedconnector member may be secured directly to the nozzle 100, such as by athread fastener, friction-fit, snap-fit or other connection, so that itcontacts the proximal side of the base 126 of the can 102 and pressesthe distal side of the base in thermal contact with the internal ridge121 of the nozzle. A flex circuit (alternatively, wires) from the can102 run through the connector member and the nozzle 100 (not shown). Thecan 102 may also be directly secured to the nozzle 100, as describedabove with regard to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13. Other waysof securing the can 102 within the nozzle 100 so that the base 126 ofthe can is in thermal contact with the nozzle are within the scope ofthis invention.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a computer model of temperature distributionover a sensor can C in a tympanic thermometer similar to conventionalconstructions is schematically illustrated. For the computer modeling,temperature nodes were located on a base B of the sensor can C nearwhere the thermistor (not shown) would be located, on the side wall (SW)about half way up, and on the top wall (TW). The sensor can C wassubjected to heat conditions approximating those experienced when thedistal end of a tympanic thermometer probe is placed in a human ear. Inconventional configurations, a heat sink (not shown) having a highthermal conductivity is in contact with a base B of the sensor can C todraw heat away from the can to avoid heating the can. Thus, the base Bof the sensor can C remains relatively stable in temperature throughoutthe time the thermometer probe is received in the ear. However a distalend (i.e., top wall TW) of the can C opposite the base B is heated bythe influx of heat from the tympanic membrane and tissue adjacent to theend of the sensor can opposite the base. As illustrated in FIG. 15,after 1-2 seconds the distal end of the sensor can C already differssubstantially from the temperature of the base (e.g., on the order of1.5 degrees centigrade.

As shown in FIG. 15, the temperatures of the base B of the sensor can C,which corresponds to the temperature of the thermistor, and thetemperature of the side wall SW of the can and the top wall TW of thecan continue to diverge throughout the ten second interval of the model.This divergence in temperature makes the side wall SW and top wall TW ofthe sensor can C visible to the infrared sensor. Thus, the infraredsensor is measuring both the temperature differential of the tympanicmembrane and the temperature differential of the side and top walls SW,TW. The infrared sensor operates by detecting differences in temperaturefrom its own temperature of objects within its field of view. Thethermistor temperature is an indication of the temperature of theinfrared sensor. Desirably, the infrared sensor sees the tympanicmembrane which is indicative of the core body temperature. Readings fromthe sensor can side wall SW and top wall TW are not desirable and leadto error in the measurement. Temperature variations on the order of 1.5degrees centigrade, as shown in the example illustrated in FIGS. 14 and15 cause significant error in the final temperature reading.

FIGS. 16-19 show results of computer (finite element analysis) modelingfor a tympanic thermometer constructed according to the principles ofthe present invention. In particular, the sensor can base 126 is inthermal contact with the nozzle 100 (not shown in FIG. 16) and thermallyisolated from contact with another heat conductive material (such as aheat sink). An arrangement of this type has been previously illustratedin FIG. 4A. Temperature nodes for monitoring temperature were placed inthe same locations on sensor can 102 as for the sensor can C illustratedin FIG. 14. The sensor can 102 was subjected to heat conditionscorresponding to those when the probe of the thermometer is placedinside the ear. A marked difference in temperature distribution from theexample is readily apparent. The distal end (i.e., top wall 117) of thesensor can is heated, as before. Now, the base 126 of the can 102 isalso heated so that two heat fronts proceed from the base of the can andthe top wall of the can to converge at a side wall 119 of the can. As aresult, the difference in temperature between the thermistor and thesensor can top wall 117 and side wall 119 does not vary as greatly asbefore. Therefore, the can top wall 117 and side wall 119 are relativelyinvisible to the infrared sensor and produce less error in thetemperature signal of the sensor.

As can be seen in the graph of FIG. 18, the temperatures of the base 126(thermistor), top wall 117 and side wall 119 are closely correlated andrepeatedly cross over each other inasmuch as being the greatertemperature during the approximately ten second interval of measurement.Initially (e.g., before about one second after the onset of temperaturemeasurement), the can top wall 117 and side wall 119 are somewhat hotterthan the base 126 (see FIG. 17). Between one and about six seconds, thebase 126 is actually hotter than the can top and side walls 117, 119.Thereafter until the end of the period of about ten seconds, the walls117, 119 are again somewhat hotter. A graph of the difference intemperature between the base 126 (thermistor) and the sensor can topwall 117 and side wall 119 (respectively) is shown in FIG. 18. Thetemperature differences remain relatively small (on the order of about0.5 degrees centigrade or less) throughout the period in which atemperature measurement would be taken. Accordingly, the sensor canwalls 117, 119 provide only a very minimal error component to thetemperature reading. Moreover, the thermometer is able to operate moreaccurately over a wider range of ambient temperatures.

A tympanic thermometer 220 of another embodiment is illustrated in FIG.20. The parts of the tympanic thermometer 220 of FIG. 20 correspondingto the parts of the tympanic thermometers 20 of the prior figures willbe indicated by the same reference numerals, plus “200”. The tympanicthermometer 220 has a construction similar to the thermometer 20 shownin FIGS. 1-4A, including having a nozzle 300, a sensor can 302 and aprobe cover 232 received on the nozzle. However, instead of a sensorhousing 104, a spring locator 303 and a spacer 305 made of a suitablethermally insulating material are used to engage and bias a base 326 ofsensor can 302 against nozzle 300. The spring locator 303 comprises acruciform platform 307 that engages the spacer 305 and pushes it againstthe underside of the base 326 of the sensor can 302. The cross shape ofthe platform 307 allows clearance for electrical leads 309 extendingfrom the sensor. The platform 307 is connected to a mounting portion 311of the spring locator 303 by two corrugated spring members 313. Themounting portion 311 is snapped into a pair of windows 315 in the nozzle300 to lock the spring locator 303 in position in the nozzle. The springmembers 313 are deflected from their relaxed positions when the mountingportion 311 is attached to the nozzle 300 so that they bias the spacer305 to press the base 326 of the sensor can 302 against an annularinternal ridge 321 of the nozzle thereby establishing thermal connectionbetween the nozzle and the base. A reinforcing element 323 receivedinside the mounting portion 311 after it is secured to the nozzle 300has a nose 325 that is received between the spring members 313 toincrease the spring force of the spring members and to reinforce thespring members.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the reinforcing member 323is initially formed as one piece with the remainder of the springlocator 303 at the proximal end thereof. The reinforcing member 323 isattached by frangible connections 329 to the remainder of the springlocator 303 (see FIG. 22). The frangible connections 329 can be brokenafter the spring locator 303 is in place with tabs 331 of the mountingportion 311 received in the windows 315 of the nozzle 300 by pushing themounting portion in a distal direction. After the frangible connections329 are broken, the reinforcing member 323 is moved to the positionshown in FIG. 20 with the nose 325 received between spring members 313to hold the spring members in a balanced force position for maintainingan optimum spring force holding the can 302 and the spacer 305 againstthe nozzle 300.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferredembodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” areintended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms“comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive andmean that there may be additional elements other than the listedelements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of theinvention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products,and methods without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description and shown inthe accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and notin a limiting sense.

1. A tympanic thermometer having a proximal end and a distal end, thethermometer comprising: a thermally conductive nozzle extending from thedistal end of the thermometer, the nozzle being located and shaped toreceive a probe cover thereon, a sensor can housing temperature sensingelectronics for sensing temperature, the sensor can including a basethermally connected to the nozzle to define a path of conductive heattransfer from the nozzle to the base of the can, the sensor can beingotherwise free of thermal connection with a thermally conductivestructure of greater mass than the sensor can.
 2. A tympanic thermometeras set forth in claim 1 wherein the base of the sensor can is secureddirectly to the nozzle.
 3. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim2 wherein the base of the sensor can is secured to an internal ridge ofthe nozzle.
 4. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 3 furthercomprising a non-thermally conductive retainer secured to the nozzle tosandwich the base of the sensor can between the internal ridge and theretainer.
 5. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 3 wherein thebase of the sensor can is secured to the nozzle using athermally-conductive adhesive.
 6. A tympanic thermometer as set forth inclaim 5 wherein a distal surface of the base of the sensor can issecured to the internal ridge of the nozzle and an opposite proximalsurface of the base is free from contact with any structure.
 7. Atympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 1 in combination with theprobe cover thermally connected to the nozzle as part of the path ofconductive heat transfer, wherein heat from outside the thermometer istransferred from the probe cover through the nozzle to the base of thesensor can via the path of conductive heat transfer.
 8. A tympanicthermometer as set forth in claim 7 wherein the probe cover is thermallyconnected to the nozzle solely at a distal end margin of the nozzle. 9.A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the nozzledefines an air space adjacent a proximal side of the sensor can.
 10. Atympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 9 wherein the thermometer isfree of structure in thermal connection with the sensor can other thanthe nozzle.
 11. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe nozzle and sensor can are constructed and arranged to define a heattransfer path from the nozzle to the sensor can and to inhibit heattransfer away from the sensor can thereby minimizing a thermal gradientbetween proximal and distal ends of the sensor can when temperature ismeasured in the ear.
 12. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 1wherein the nozzle is made of metal and the sensor can is free ofthermal connection with a metallic object other than the nozzle.
 13. Atympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a springlocator disposed in the nozzle and resiliently biasing the sensor caninto contact with the nozzle.
 14. A tympanic thermometer as set forth inclaim 13 wherein the spring locator is formed of one piece of material.15. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 13 wherein the springlocator comprises spring members and a reinforcing element engaging thespring members to increase their spring force.
 16. A tympanicthermometer having a proximal end and a distal end, the thermometercomprising: a thermally conductive nozzle extending from the distal endof the thermometer, a sensor can housing temperature sensing electronicsfor sensing temperature, the sensor can including a base thermallyconnected to the nozzle, the nozzle defining an air space on a proximalside of the sensor can base to inhibit heat transfer from the sensorcan.
 17. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 16 wherein thebase of the sensor can is secured directly to the nozzle.
 18. A tympanicthermometer as set forth in claim 17 wherein the base of the sensor canis secured to an internal ridge of the nozzle.
 19. A tympanicthermometer as set forth in claim 18 wherein the base of the sensor canis secured to the nozzle using a thermally-conductive adhesive.
 20. Atympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 19 wherein a distal surfaceof the base of the sensor can is secured to the internal ridge of thenozzle and an opposite proximal surface of the base is free from contactwith any structure.
 21. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 16in combination with the probe cover thermally connected to the nozzle aspart of the path of conductive heat transfer, wherein heat from outsidethe thermometer is transferred from the probe cover through the nozzleto the base of the sensor can via the path of conductive heat transfer.22. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 21 wherein the probecover is thermally connected to the nozzle solely at a distal end marginof the nozzle.
 23. A tympanic thermometer as set forth in claim 16wherein the thermometer is free of structure in thermal connection withthe sensor can other than the nozzle.
 24. A tympanic thermometer as setforth in claim 16 wherein the nozzle and sensor can are constructed andarranged to define a heat transfer path from the nozzle to the sensorcan and to inhibit heat transfer away from the sensor can therebyminimizing a thermal gradient between proximal and distal ends of thesensor can when temperature is measured in the ear.
 25. A tympanicthermometer as set forth in claim 16 wherein the nozzle is made of metaland the sensor can is free of thermal connection with a metallic objectother than the nozzle.